Dolomites - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
The Dolomites offer visitors unbelievable natural beauty and diversity that is unmatched anywhere else in Europe. Complete with majestic peaks that seem to crown the top of Italy, this region of the Italian Alps is both impressive and expansive, consisting of 18 major peaks that are perfect for hiking, skiing or soaking up the unique blend of German and Italian cultures. Experience some of Italy’s most amazing scenery as you wander through quaint mountain villages while learning about the unique Ladin culture and cuisine. The Dolomites offer world-class skiing and luxury resorts that are surprisingly crowd-free during most of the year. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site will leave you with memories of soaring peaks, alpine meadows and the lingering scent of edelweiss.
Travel Highlights
- Experience the best of the Dolomites skiing at the Marmolada Ski Resort, home to Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites.
- Enjoy excellent sailing, hiking, climbing and mountain biking at Lake Garda.
- Get to know the culture and enjoy the cuisine of the Ladin people in the Trentino region.
- Drive the scenic mountain stretch known as the Great Dolomite Road, which runs from Venice to Bolzano.
- Hike the circular path around the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo—the symbol of the Italian Dolomites.
- Visit fashionable Cortina d’Ampezzo for fantastic winter sports. It was the site of the 1956 Olympics.
- Get some great photos of the alpine flowers on display at the Alpine Botanic Garden in Monte Faverghera.
- Visit the open-air museum at Monte Piana, where the trenches and shell craters that were the front-lines during World War I are still visible.
- Take a ride on the world’s longest aerial cableway from Alpe di Siusi to Compaccio.
- Enjoy a gourmet dinner—the Dolomites have the highest concentration of Michelin-starred chefs in all of Italy.
Travel Tips
- Summer is extremely crowded so plan your trip for either late spring or early fall.
- Weather changes quickly so dress in layers and pack wet weather gear even if it is a sunny day.
- Take multi-day hikes away from the popular day-hiking routes and stay in the many mountain rifugios that dot the trails. You will make new friends and enjoy tasty local dishes.
- Consider using Castelrotto as your base camp. It is in the heart of the Dolomites and is close to many of the best hiking trails.
- Make sure you have an international driver's permit if you plan to rent a car.
- If you plan to travel long distances for several consecutive days, save money by purchasing a multi-day transport ticket.
- Stay in a hotel in Val Gardena that is a member of the Tourist Association in Val Gardena and get a free Mobil Card as part of your visit. You will get a week of unlimited admission to all buses in the area.
- Make room in your luggage for the Dolomite’s famous painted porcelain, beautiful handmade wooden toys and traditional Austrian-style garments made of loden.
